MOU to protect Mali waters

WWF Pacific representative Kesaia Tabunakawai during the signing of the MOU.
Picture: SUPPLIED

A MEMORANDUM of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Mali Development Committee (MDC) and World Wide Fund for Nature South Pacific to protect Mali waters.

WWF South Pacific communications officer Theresa Fox said the MOU would ensure the continued sustainable management of Mali district's natural resources and subsequently the Great Sea Reef.

Ms Fox said under this MOU, WWF South Pacific hoped to foster a partnership with the Mali District Committee to enhance the strengthening of the committee's self-financing ability to ensure it was able to operate independently in the long term.

"This will be facilitated by a match funding clause that stipulates WWF South Pacific will match dollar for dollar the Mali Development Committee's fundraising efforts should they raise $10,000, by December 2014," she said.

"Furthermore, the signed agreement will ensure the continuing maintenance and monitoring of protected areas in the Macuata qoliqoli cokovata and the successful and effective implementation of the Mali district's 20 Year Development Plan.

"As a prelude to the signing of the MOU, a two-day training workshop was facilitated by WWF South Pacific in the areas of financial literacy targeted at the youths and women of the Mali District and a leadership training program for the members of the MDC."

WWF Pacific representative Kesaia Tabunakawai represented the organisation at the signing and said she looked forward to working with the district of Mali.